If you’ve ever craved a warm, comforting bowl of soup that’s both creamy and light, then vegan cream of celery soup is about to become your new favorite. Imagine the soothing aroma of fresh celery, gently cooked with onions and garlic, then blended into a luscious, velvety soup that doesn’t rely on any dairy. This is the kind of soup that wraps you in comfort during chilly evenings or serves as a sophisticated starter for a dinner party.
Whether you’re a seasoned vegan, a curious foodie, or someone who just wants to sneak more veggies into your diet, this recipe is simple, satisfying, and bursting with flavor. And the best part? You don’t need a long list of obscure ingredients-just a few wholesome staples that you probably already have in your kitchen.
Vegan Cream Of Celery Soup Recipe
Here’s the star of the show, laid out so you can dive in without hesitation. This soup is creamy, yet light, savory with subtle hints of herbs, and perfect for pairing with crusty bread or a fresh salad.
Ingredients Needed
For this recipe, you’ll want to gather the following:
- Celery stalks – 6 to 7 medium stalks, chopped
- Onion – 1 medium, finely diced
- Garlic – 2 cloves, minced
- Potatoes – 2 medium, peeled and cubed (for natural creaminess)
- Vegetable broth – 4 cups, preferably low-sodium
- Coconut milk or any plant-based cream – 1 cup, for that silky texture
- Olive oil – 2 tablespoons, for sautéing
- Fresh thyme – 1 teaspoon, or dried if unavailable
- Salt and black pepper – to taste
- Lemon juice – 1 teaspoon, optional but brightens flavors
- Nutritional yeast – 1 tablespoon, optional for a subtle cheesy depth
Cooking Instructions
Here’s where the magic happens. Follow these steps for a soup that’s both simple and luxurious:
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Sauté The Aromatics
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add onions and garlic, stirring until translucent and fragrant-about 5 minutes.
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Add Celery And Potatoes
- Stir in chopped celery and cubed potatoes, letting them absorb the aromatic base for 2-3 minutes.
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Simmer With Broth
- Pour in the vegetable broth, ensuring vegetables are fully submerged.
- Add thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes, until the vegetables are tender.
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Blend To Perfection
- Remove from heat and let the soup cool slightly.
- Use an immersion blender or regular blender to puree until smooth.
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Add Creamy Goodness
- Stir in coconut milk (or your chosen plant-based cream).
- Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and a splash of lemon juice.
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Serve Warm
- Ladle into bowls, sprinkle a little fresh thyme or parsley on top, and enjoy immediately!
Ingredient Insights
- Celery: The star of this soup. It provides natural aroma and subtle sweetness. Look for crisp, fresh stalks for maximum flavor.
- Potatoes: They’re the secret to creamy vegan soups. They blend into a silky texture without needing dairy.
- Coconut milk: Adds richness and depth. If you prefer less coconut flavor, try oat or cashew cream.
- Nutritional yeast: Provides umami and a mild cheesy note, but it’s optional.
- Herbs & Lemon: Small touches like thyme and a squeeze of lemon elevate the flavors beautifully.
Expert Tips
- Don’t skip sautéing the aromatics: This step builds a flavor base that makes the soup taste rich, even without cream.
- Blend in batches if needed: For a perfectly smooth soup, avoid overfilling your blender.
- Adjust consistency: Add more broth if you prefer a lighter soup or less for a thicker, more indulgent texture.
- Make ahead: Soup tastes even better the next day as flavors meld.
Recipe Variations
- Add greens: Spinach or kale stirred in at the end adds color and nutrients.
- Spicy kick: A pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of smoked paprika can give the soup a subtle heat.
- Roasted celery: Roast celery before adding for a deeper, sweeter flavor.
- Nutty creaminess: Blend cashews with water as an alternative to coconut milk for a neutral creamy texture.
Final Words
Vegan cream of celery soup proves that plant-based cooking can be luxurious, flavorful, and incredibly comforting. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a dish that feels both simple and sophisticated. Perfect as a starter, lunch, or cozy dinner, this soup is versatile, nourishing, and easy to customize to your taste.
FAQs
What Ingredients Are Needed For A Vegan Cream Of Celery Soup?
The main ingredients include celery, onion, garlic, vegetable broth, unsweetened plant-based milk (such as almond or oat), olive oil or vegan butter, flour or cornstarch for thickening, salt, pepper, and optional herbs like thyme or parsley.
Can I Make Vegan Cream Of Celery Soup Without A Blender?
Yes, you can make a chunky version by finely chopping the celery and onion, cooking them until tender, and thickening the soup with a roux made from flour and oil. It won’t be as smooth but will still be flavorful.
What Is The Best Plant-based Milk To Use In Vegan Cream Of Celery Soup?
Unsweetened almond, oat, or soy milk are all good options. Oat milk gives a creamier texture, while almond milk is lighter. Avoid sweetened varieties to maintain the savory flavor.
Can I Freeze Vegan Cream Of Celery Soup?
Yes, this soup freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then store in airtight containers for up to 3 months. When reheating, gently thaw and stir to restore the creamy consistency.
How Can I Make Vegan Cream Of Celery Soup Thicker?
You can thicken the soup by blending part or all of it, adding a roux made from flour and vegan butter, or stirring in a slurry of cornstarch and cold plant-based milk. Simmer until it reaches your desired consistency.
Is It Necessary To Use Oil In Vegan Cream Of Celery Soup?
While oil helps sauté the vegetables and adds richness, you can make an oil-free version by using vegetable broth to sauté the celery and onion, then blending the soup for creaminess.
Can I Add Other Vegetables To Vegan Cream Of Celery Soup?
Yes, vegetables like carrots, potatoes, leeks, or parsnips complement celery and add extra flavor and texture. Adjust the liquid and seasonings accordingly.
How Long Does It Take To Cook Vegan Cream Of Celery Soup?
Preparation usually takes 10-15 minutes, and cooking takes 20-25 minutes. If blending for a smooth consistency, allow an additional 5 minutes. Overall, the soup can be ready in about 35-45 minutes.
What Seasonings Work Best In Vegan Cream Of Celery Soup?
Basic seasonings include salt, black pepper, garlic, and onion powder. Fresh or dried herbs such as thyme, parsley, dill, or a bay leaf add depth and complement the celery flavor.
Can I Make Vegan Cream Of Celery Soup Gluten-free?
Yes, replace flour with cornstarch, arrowroot, or a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for thickening. Ensure that your vegetable broth and plant-based milk are also gluten-free.